Hamas claims ‘positive progress’ towards Phase Two of ceasefire. Israel says it's lying.

Hamas claimed today (Saturday) that there are “positive indications” regarding the start of negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, even as Jerusalem dismissed any suggestion of progress. The group’s efforts to secure its survival amid the ongoing war, often at the expense of Israeli hostages, remain a central point of contention in the stalled talks.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanou stated earlier today: “The mediators’ efforts—led by Egypt and Qatar—to complete the implementation of the ceasefire agreement continue, and the indications regarding the start of negotiations on the second phase are positive. We emphasize our readiness to enter talks on this phase in a way that meets our people’s demands, and we call for intensified efforts to provide aid to the Gaza Strip and end the blockade.” The remarks follow the first phase of a hostage-ceasefire deal in January 2025, which saw the release of dozens of Israeli captives, though 59 remain in Gaza.

In contrast, a senior Israeli source, quoted by Channel 12 News on Saturday evening, rejected Hamas’s assertion. “In Jerusalem, we are unaware of any progress in the contacts to advance to Phase Two of the deal,” the official said, underscoring the disconnect between the two sides. Israel has consistently maintained that Hamas must release all hostages and disarm as prerequisites for any broader agreement, a stance that has fueled domestic debate over the war’s trajectory.

The Hamas statement coincides with a visit by a delegation led by Mohammad Darwish, head of the group’s Shura Council, to Cairo on Friday. The delegation met with Egyptian officials to discuss outcomes of the recent Arab Summit and press for the initiation of Phase Two talks.

According to reports, Hamas is demanding that Israel open Gaza’s border crossings to allow humanitarian aid and begin discussions on a comprehensive ceasefire. One source indicated the group seeks “a permanent and complete end to hostilities,” alongside a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and financial support for the enclave based on summit resolutions.

European nations have voiced support for Egypt’s initiative to rehabilitate Gaza, devastated by 17 months of conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. Hamas’s demands for Phase Two also include the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining Israeli hostages, a proposal Israel has yet to endorse publicly.

The latest developments highlight the persistent deadlock. While Hamas frames its outreach as a step toward peace, Israel accuses the group of exploiting the talks to regroup. In Jerusalem, officials remain focused on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, even as pressure mounts from hostage families and the international community.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in office since January 20, 2025, has signaled support for Israel but faces calls to broker a resolution—a challenge that may shape the next chapter of this protracted crisis.